Barking Abbey School

The I.T. resources at Barking Abbey School are better than most other schools in the area and elsewhere. As we are part of the DfES ICT Testbed Project we have had special funding specifically to provide computer equipment.

Each member of our teaching staff were provided with a computer to aid them with their teaching. Funding was provided to refurbish our two libraries in 2003. Each library is now equipped with PC's, laser printers and a data projector and screen.

Librarian working Computer workstations Study area

Within the school itself there are currently over 1000 computers. This will probably increase over the next few years. We are trying to provide students as much access to computers as possible to aid them with their work. In addition to this, teaching rooms have been fitted out with data projectors and teaching desks containing audio visual equipment to aid and enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. We also have laptops to provide a number of subjects access to computers who do not have timetabled lessons in a computer suite.

A Teaching desk and data projector setup.

Network upgrades now mean we have a 100Mb pipeline which provides super fast internet access. To cope with all the new equipment network and upgrades we have had to increase our technical support staff from one to three fulltime technicians.

In addition to this, because of the demands of new methods and modes of teaching and learning, we now have our own web developer. Primarily, the web developer will be developing the online curriculum for the school as well as design, build and maintain the school internet and intranet websites.